Civil War Artillery Tar or Grease Bucket

Civil War Artillery Tar or Grease Bucket – Original Civil War artillery carriage, grease or tar bucket. These sheet iron containers were referred to, in the period, as a “tar bucket”; they were suspended beneath the cannon carriage or limber axle, by means of a chain link handle that had a 2-inch diameter O-ring to attach to a hook. The bucket contained grease or “tar” that was used to lubricate the carriage and limber axles. Each field cannon had, as part of their essential, accompanying equipment, one of these buckets. The metal cover on the top of the bucket was attached by means of a riveted stud; this domed cover could be rotated open to dip into the bucket for grease. This example remains in very good condition, with much of its original, black paint exhibited; there are areas of superficial surface rust, but no perforating rust. The lid or cover is operable and the chain free swinging.

Measurements: Diameter – 8.25”; Height – 7”